FF Spinoza

Max Phillips developed FF Spinoza over a period of eleven years. With the goal of readability in mind, Phillips named the typeface after 17th century rationalist and lens-grinder Baruch Spinoza, a man whose job it was to help people see clearly. The family is an elegant workhorse – a classic text family with just enough individual character to hold its own in display sizes. The design was inspired by mid-century German book faces, like Trump Mediaeval and Aldus, but also by the Baroque-era types of Nicholas Kis. FF Spinoza’s letterforms are narrow and economical, with open counters. Its strokes are firm and distinct, with strong and thick motions that pair with the serifs to help the text “grip” the page. The intended virtues of the typeface are firmness, clarity and modesty.

FF Spinoza received several awards after its release, including a Certificate of Excellence at the 2011 ISTD Awards and a nod from the Communication Arts Typography Competition. The typeface was also selected as one of Typographica.org’s favorite typefaces of 2011.

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